Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I have 27 children

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By 7:55 in the morning I have a few of them asking me to help them with the homework they either didn’t do, or struggled with the night before.

On an average day, I have to sit down with at least one of them to have a talk about being kind to or patient with those around them…for some reason they just can’t seem to get along all the time.

I make sure they’ve eaten their lunches, that they wash their hands after going to the bathroom, and that they pick up after themselves when they make a mess.

I read to them nearly everyday. I do a half-a-dozen voices for the chapter book we're reading. They break out laughing every time the Earthworm talks in James and the Giant Peach. If ever I tell them that we don’t have time to read that day, they panic. Reading is important.

We gather as a group and sing together while I play the guitar. When I remind everyone not to pick their noses, they giggle.

Today I had one boy who wanted me to feel his forehead because he was sure he had strep throat and wondered if he had a temperature.

I had 12 of the kids try to sit right next to me at lunch today. When I moved down the table, so did they.

Today I had to have a talk with one of them about cheating; how that putting down answers when we're correcting isn't right. Another boy got the pep-talk during recess so as to start doing his homework on a consistent basis.

I listened to stories about what they did with their friends, the best part about the weekend, and the book or movie they’ve just finished.

I try to get them all to do their best. Lecturing doesn’t seem to work, so I try building them with the “you can do it” speeches. Some of them do not seem to listen, however, most do.

I try not to feel judgmental when they tell me things I’d rather not know.

7 comments:

Kudos to you. You're a fantastic teacher and you have the real secret down--caring about the kids. They all love you for a reason, and I hope you still teach when I have kids! (Warning: May be the same year you retire).

That really got me all teared up. I think you are an amazing teacher, that ALWAYS goes more than the extra mile to make a difference. YOU are the needle in the haystack that everyone is trying to find. If more people could be like you...think of all the changes that would come about. What a wonderful example you are to children and adults.KJ